Lela Louise Dean

Lela Louise Dean (Rosson), a woman of boundless love and quiet strength, passed away at 6:32 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at North Kansas City Hospital, due to heart failure. She was showered with words of love and devotion in her final hours. Though our hearts grieve her earthly absence, we rejoice knowing she is now in Heaven, embraced by pure love and light, reunited with her soulmate and the love of her life, Charlie, and in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on August 24, 1949, in Marceline, Missouri, to Howard Junior Rosson and Darlene Atwell, Lela was the eldest of four daughters. She graduated from Marceline High School, where she excelled as first chair cornet in the band. On November 23, 1968, Lela married Charlie Dean in Marceline, beginning a profound partnership filled with unwavering love that lasted over 52 years. In March 1970, their daughter, Monica, arrived, becoming their greatest joy.

Lela was stronger and braver than she knew and her life was a testament to compassion and selflessness. She overcame adversities with grace, her inner light shining brighter to uplift others. With a huge heart, she cared for everyone and showed it through small acts of kindness—like keeping notes on favorite drinks or special candies in her purse. She held a special place for those with unique needs and did everything she could to ensure her family knew they were deeply loved. She was famous for her holiday Pumpkin Rolls and her purest delight was time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her "Gigi." Their joyful cries of "Gigi! Gigi!" echoed as they played with play dough and slime, filling her with richness beyond measure.

Lela was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Dean; her parents; one sister, her brother-in-law, and her sister-in-law. She is survived by her daughter, Monica Strain, and her husband, Michael Strain, whom Lela cherished as a God-sent blessing and precious son; grandson Joshua Strain and his wife, Caitlin, with their sons Wesley and Cooper, and a baby due in January 2026; grandson Tyler Strain and his wife, Claire, with their son Logan and daughter Shelby; two sisters, one brother-in-law; and many cherished aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins, all of whom she loved and prayed for fervently.

A celebration of Lela's life will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Kansas City. Please honor her memory with acts of kindness, just as she did. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. Lela's legacy of love endures, and we look forward to reuniting with her in Heaven when God calls us home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Rd., Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 or K9sforWarriors.org.